SpaceX has promised to bring back the stranded astronauts in 2025.
After more than two months in orbit, SpaceX will enable two NASA astronauts return to Earth in February 2025.
Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore’s Boeing Starliner will return to Earth “un-crewed,” according to NASA.
On June 5, the two began an eight-day mission that will now span nearly eight months in orbit.
After elium leaks drove fuel into the propulsion system, the Starliner had problems reaching the ISS. . Quite a few thrusters were malfunctioning as well.
Commercial space trips for NASA astronauts will be provided by either Boeing or SpaceX, both awarded billion-dollar contracts by Nasa. Boeing’s share was valued at $4.2 billion (£3.18 billion), while Elon Musk’s $2.6 billion went to SpaceX.
In contrast to SpaceX’s nine crewed flights for Nasa and a handful of commercial missions, Boeing had never attempted.
Boeing and NASA engineers have been attempting to decipher the Starliner’s technological problems for months.
They have been conducting experiments and collecting data on Earth and in space.
“Our core value is safety and it is our north star.”
So that they can return on a SpaceX Crew Dragon spaceship, the pair’s tenure on the ISS has been extended until February 2025.
Launch of SpaceX’s next vehicle, which was originally planned for the end of September, can now go place thanks to the extension.
It will only be carrying two astronauts on its journey to the space station, down from four. At the conclusion of their scheduled mission in February, Mr. Wilmore and Ms. Williams will be able to board the vehicle with them to return to Earth.
During a press conference held on Saturday, NASA administrator Bill Nelson announced that Boeing and Nasa Both astronauts had been in orbit for longer than expected before the test trip, so they were familiar with the risks involved, according to Nasa.
The organization announced that Mr. Wilmore, 61, and Ms. Williams, 58, will be returning in the coming months to conduct scientific research, space maintenance, and potentially even “spacewalks.” They added that both women “fully” endorsed the plans for their return.
Problems encountered during the building of the Starliner spaceship caused Boeing to postpone its launch for a number of years. There were technical issues with earlier flights that did not have a crew.
“On the safety of the crew and spacecraft” remained Boeing’s primary concern, the company stated.